From Pittsburgh International Airport comes the news that of their 311 TSA workers, “five employees were recommended for termination, 47 for suspension and 10 given letters of reprimand”. Note that these disciplinary actions are merely recommendations that will be appealed, so when it’s all over probably very few, if any, will actually be punished.

Additionally there are claims — incorrect — that no laws were broken. Running a bookie operation is a violation of Pennsylvania state law. Although no federal laws were broken, we hope that these cases will be referred to local authorities for prosecution under state law.

There were further claims — also incorrect — that none of the screeners profited from their illegal activity. It turns out that the five screeners recommended for firing did make a profit from their illegal bookmaking operation.

Coming on the heels of July’s revelation by the DHS Office of Inspector General that TSA misconduct cases have increased by 26% over the last three years, the Pittsburgh gambling ring should be a reminder that TSA is in need of an overhaul from top to bottom.